Lieberman a Smooth Schmoozer in California

Carla Marinucci

Published 4:00 am, Saturday, September 2, 2000

Leticia Castro wasn't exactly thrilled when Joe Lieberman slid into the Naugahyde booth with her at Spires Coffee Shop in Anaheim this week. She was just having breakfast, and there he was: not just a regular guy, but a guy who wants to be vice president of the United States.

Leticia, who is 18 and has never cast a vote in a presidential race, looked a little nervous. There were lots of cameras and reporters around.

But Lieberman, Al Gore's running mate, was clutching a mug of coffee. And with a smile, he gently started asking questions.

"Is there anything that you want to say to me about the campaign?" he said.

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The scene -- and the question -- were repeated over and over again this week as the Connecticut senator made his way around California.

Voters here are mostly used to seeing their politicians from a distance -- on television, in advertising, and usually bashing each other over the head.

But Lieberman showed his talent for what's called "retail" politics -- a detail that was nearly lost amid the controversy that erupted a few days ago over his views on the importance of religion in American life.

Unlike Gore, who sometimes sounds like a college professor lecturing his students, Lieberman is more like the new neighbor who wants to get to know the folks next door.

Not only does he appear to be genuine in his interest in people, but Lieberman also seems to have that rare gift of getting strangers to open up, even under the most trying circumstances.

Lieberman's conversation with Leticia, the reluctant young day- care worker, was a good example.

"Everything OK?" the Democratic candidate started out.

Within minutes, the teenager's tense expression loosened. Leticia started talking to the senator, about her work, her pay, her family and her mom, an immigrant.

Lieberman nodded. His grandparents were immigrants, too, he said. Then he asked her advice on the campaign ahead.

He sidled up to a suspicious-looking Margorie Minnix, 92, of Garden Grove, who was finishing up a plate of bacon and eggs with her daughter Jeneal.

"Things going all right?" Lieberman ventured.

A few sips of coffee later, he was getting the details about the kids, the grandkids and the eight great- grandkids.

The senator shook hands with a young woman with a toddler. With his prompting, she shyly began talking about her life as a "stay at home" mom. "You're smart to stay home," he said in the end. "These are important years."

He slid in next to Marv Martinson, who was reading the paper with his wife, Norma. "We've seen you on TV," Norma said. Soon, the three were talking about life, family, the economy.

"We can't complain too much," Norma said.

"I know. Things are pretty good," said Lieberman with a smile.

At the San Diego Children's Hospital, the senator sat on a kids' colored picnic table while parents in crisis or with critically ill children told him their stories.

"When Jeff got hurt, it was devastating," said a tearful Sherri Buys as she related the trauma caused by her construction worker husband's hernia, in response to the senator's questions.

Sometimes Lieberman used humor to lighten up the sadness and work the crowd. Motioning to a sick child who fell asleep while he talked, Lieberman joked, "I've known of senators and vice presidents to fall asleep in the afternoon." Then he added mischievously, "Not this vice president!"

The result: Even some who didn't necessarily agree with him -- Leticia Castro recalled she "wasn't impressed" before he sat in that diner with her -- said they would now take a second look.

Sitting in a back room of the hospital late in the afternoon, Lieberman shook his head in wonder when asked about this love of schmooze.

In Connecticut, he said, his "schtick" was to hit 100 diners in his last race, to "talk to real people, see what's on their minds."

"I love it, because the campaign becomes real," he said. "I have found over the years . . . that people are remarkably willing to share their stories. It reminds you why you're in government."

Since Gore chose him to be his running mate three weeks ago, Lieberman said, he sometimes marvels at all the hoopla -- his new place in the spotlight, the symbolism, the big stage. But he also understands that even a national campaign is also about sharing a cup of coffee, a conversation in a diner, a piece of personal history, with plain folks.

"It touches me. There are times when, just by fate, you end up being larger than yourself. I mean, I'm me. But I know that now, thanks to Al Gore . . . I have a larger role to play," he said. "I'm working hard to make it come out right."